Program Support Specialist - Payroll and Accounting

The Finance and Accounting Department is seeking a Program Support Specialist in Payroll. This position provides varied program support under the guidance of professional staff related to payroll. Acts as the primary backup to the Payroll Coordinator; assists with timely and accurate processing of payroll for Clean Water Services (CWS) and maintains compliance with federal, state, and local laws, as well as policies, procedures, and Labor Agreement. Assists with reviewing and compiling employee time and payroll data from timesheets; calculates wages and deductions; provides payroll information to CWS employees.

Essential Functions:

(The essential functions listed below are not intended to reflect all duties that may be assigned to this classification. CWS may augment duties and/or essential functions at its discretion. Additionally, some incumbents may not perform all Essential Functions)

1. Provides payroll support for the Payroll Coordinator, including bi-weekly time and labor report balancing. Processes payroll in the absence of the Payroll Coordinator
2. Assists with maintaining and processing payroll information for CWS and its employees in compliance with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, labor agreement and employment policies.
3. Assists with preparing bi-weekly payroll including reviewing and compiling employee time and payroll data from time sheets and other records, checking available leave balances, and verifying leave and pay types reported comply with the labor agreement and employment policies.
4. Assists with maintaining employee payroll information in the system, verifying accuracy and completeness including making changes to existing data in the payroll system, reviewing HR paperwork, researching discrepancies, responding to garnishment orders, reviewing insurance and voluntary deduction orders, and recording data in the payroll system as required.
5. Assists with processing and remitting payments for payroll-related taxes, voluntary and involuntary withholdings, and other benefits including preparing reports and remitting payments for union dues, garnishments, federal and state liens on wages and support orders, contribution requests, Tri-Met passes, deferred compensation, PERS, flexible spending accounts, and supplemental benefit plans.
6. Provides support to employees with payroll related issues. Responds to representatives from other agencies on payroll inquiries.
7. Maintains a positive, equitable, and inclusive workplace culture to improve the understanding and recognition of diversity and foster multidisciplinary and integrated team approaches.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Principles and practices of payroll, accounting record keeping, and reporting
• Pertinent federal and state laws, rules, and requirements
• Computerized payroll systems

• Use of computers, accounting, and financial software
• Computing, recording, and balancing financial transactions
• Record and file management

• Interpret and apply CWS rules and regulations affecting payroll and accounting policies and practices
• Prepare and maintain accurate payroll documents, files, and records
• Interpret and apply laws, regulations and contract provisions affecting payroll
• Follow verbal and written instructions
• Gather, analyze and report data
• Maintain records and files
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
• Operate effectively in a team environment
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing

Additional Information:

Reasonable Accommodation:
Applicants who require reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any phase of the application process should contact Human Resources at 503.681.3600 or TDD 503.681.3601.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
Clean Water Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, national origin, marital status, age, uniformed service, sexual orientation or disability in the admission or access to the recruitment process or any aspect of employment.